The Texas Association for Future Educators also known as TAFE had the amazing opportunity to go compete at the 38th Annual State competition. This year’s theme was “Feeling Groovy with Teaching.”

On March 3rd – 5th, 2022, four students went on to compete in the Hilton Anatole Hotel in three different categories. Courtney Hatton, and Macie Garcia competed for Interactive Bulletin Board, Destanee Warren for Teacher Creative Material, and myself, Briana Gonzalez for Goal Setting.

I placed 1st place for Goal Setting. This category consisted of providing a student an opportunity to find out what career will fit their interests and abilities best, research the suggested career choices, choose and research one career that most interests the student, and set goals to a attain a career in their selected career choice.

Though my category can’t go to nationals, I’m really proud of myself for placing first place and almost having a perfect score 99/100. Also I’m really proud of my team because they did really amazing projects.

Sophomore Macie Garcia said, “My experience during the competition was fun. I made a lot of memories and hope to make a lot more next year.”

“I was very encouraged to see how well all of the PHS students did at both region and state competition especially since this was the first time to compete for them!” said TAFE sponsor Mrs. Keely Newcomb.

For next year, the students who compete will choose a category to compete in and compete at a regional competition to qualify for state and nationals.

TAFE students feel very impacted by teacher coordinator Mrs. Newcomb for being very supportive, positive and encouraging to her students.

“TAFE has meant a lot to me. I am expanding my knowledge of how to be a better educator for my future students and I have made amazing memories and friends,” Junior Destanee Warren said. “I decided to join to know better how to be an amazing teacher. It’s impacted my high school career because it has allowed me to make amazing memories that I will always cherish.”

Warren said, “Don’t hold back from competing or whatever it is you are to nervous to do. It will be worth it in the end.”

Join next year for completions, you don’t have to be in the education program to sign up. For more information about TAFE, see Mrs. Newcomb in L109.